The "some cognitive capacity" that's relevant to the current discussion is "consciousness".
replyWhat about the cognitive capacity of understanding?
replyThe use of the term "understanding" in the quote you mentioned is a claim about metaphysics, not cognitive capacity.
replyFrom Merriam-Webster:
replycognitive: as in reasonable; of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities (such as thinking, *understanding*, learning, and remembering)